Lung and Chest Surgery Made Safer with Robotic Technology at Bumrungrad

 
Thoracic diseases affect the lungs, thymus gland, esophagus, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall. These conditions can be benign or malignant and often require surgical treatment. At Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center, the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted system enables surgeons to treat complex thoracic conditions with unmatched precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.
 

Thoracic Conditions Treated with the da Vinci Xi

1. Lung Cancer
Surgery is the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgeons may perform:

• Lobectomy: removal of an entire lobe of the lung (the right lung has three lobes, the left has two). This is the standard treatment for many early cancers.
• Segmentectomy: removal of one or more smaller segments within a lobe, used for very small tumors or in patients with reduced lung function.
• Wedge resection: removal of a wedge-shaped piece of lung containing the tumor, preserving the most healthy lung tissue.

The da Vinci Xi allows these procedures with precise tumor removal and accurate lymph node dissection, which is essential for correct staging and guiding treatment.
 
2. Thymus Cancer (Thymoma)
The thymus gland sits in the mediastinum, between the lungs and behind the breastbone. When cancer develops here, the gold standard treatment is thymectomy — the surgical removal of the thymus gland.

• With robotic-assisted thymectomy, surgeons can operate safely in this narrow space, even near major blood vessels and the heart, ensuring complete tumor removal.

 
3. Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
In certain patients with this autoimmune disorder, thymectomy can improve long-term outcomes. Using the da Vinci Xi, surgeons can perform a complete removal of the thymus gland through small incisions, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time.
 
4. Esophageal Cancer and Benign Esophageal Diseases
Esophageal surgery is technically demanding due to its proximity to the trachea, heart, and major vessels. The da Vinci Xi provides enhanced 3D visualization and precise instrument control, enabling safer resections and reconstructions for both cancer and complex benign conditions.
 
5. Mediastinal Tumors and Cysts
Masses in the mediastinum can affect critical organs such as the heart and lungs. Robotic surgery offers superior access in confined areas, allowing safe and effective removal.
 
6. Chest Wall Tumors
Tumors involving the ribs, muscles, or connective tissue often require complete resection, sometimes with reconstruction. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for precise removal and improved cosmetic outcomes with less trauma.
 
7. Pleural Diseases, Including Recurrent Pneumothorax
For patients with repeated air leaks or pleural lesions, robotic surgery enables precise repair or removal with less risk of nerve injury and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional techniques.
 

Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Compared with open surgery or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) offers:

• Smaller incisions with minimal rib spreading
• 360° instrument movement for precise dissection in difficult-to-reach areas
• 3D high-definition magnification for safer, more accurate surgery
• Less blood loss, fewer complications, and lower nerve injury risk
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stays

 

Why Choose Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center

Since 2016, Bumrungrad has been at the forefront of robotic surgery in Thailand and Asia. Patients benefit from:

• A multidisciplinary team of thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists
• State-of-the-art da Vinci Xi technology for complex thoracic procedures
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and needs
• A proven record of excellent outcomes, reduced complications, and faster recovery

 
At Bumrungrad, robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Xi is more than an operation - it is a pathway back to health, dignity, and hope.
 
 
FAQ: Robotic Thoracic Surgery at Bumrungrad

1. What thoracic conditions can be treated with the da Vinci Xi?
It is used for lung cancer (lobectomy, segmentectomy, wedge resection), thymus cancer (thymectomy), myasthenia gravis, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, chest wall tumors, and pleural diseases such as recurrent pneumothorax.
 
2. What is the difference between lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection?

• Lobectomy removes an entire lobe of the lung.
• Segmentectomy removes only one or more smaller segments inside a lobe.
• Wedge resection removes a small, wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue.

 
3. What is thymectomy?
Thymectomy is the surgical removal of the thymus gland, often done for thymus cancer (thymoma) or for patients with myasthenia gravis.
 
4. What are the benefits for patients?
Robotic-assisted surgery provides smaller incisions, less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery.
 
5. Why choose Bumrungrad for robotic thoracic surgery?
Bumrungrad offers expert thoracic surgeons, advanced da Vinci Xi technology, personalized care, and a track record of successful outcomes, making it a regional leader in robotic surgery.